KR101480320B1 - Magnetic fluid coupling assemblies and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid coupling assembly and method are described herein. The fluid coupling assembly includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member that can be magnetically coupled to the first coupling member, a seal positioned between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member, Member. The magnetic coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals the fluid flow path therebetween. In a particular example, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member comprises an actuating member. When the first coupling member and the second coupling member are engaged, the valve member is moved from the closed position to the open position by the operation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. The magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be selected such that these members engage and disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.

A fluid delivery system, a fuel cell power supply device, a permanent magnet, an induction magnet,

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC FLUID COUPLING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS [0002]

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 864,749, filed on November 7, 2006, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 882,045, filed December 27, 2006, The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to fluid coupling assemblies for fluid delivery applications, and more particularly to magnetic fluid coupling assemblies and methods.

Fluid coupling for fluid delivery applications typically includes a socket having a fluid flow passage and a plug having a fluid flow passage. The socket is attached, for example, to the first fluid line, and the plug is attached to the second fluid line, for example. A plug is pushed into the socket to connect the first fluid line to the second fluid line, and then one or more valves are subsequently opened to establish a fluid flow path between the two lines. Such coupling may be independent, or the plug or socket may be mounted on a manifold or wall, or secured to the device.

When the fluid is transferred between the first fluid line and the second fluid line, the fluid pressure is generated along with the fluid. Hydraulic pressure tends to exert a force to separate the plug and the socket from each other. For this reason, a lockable mechanical connection is typically made between the socket and the plug. As an example, a bayonet mount may be used to connect the plug to the socket. As yet another example, a threaded sleeve connected to a socket receives a coupling thread on the plug. This configuration provides a stable fluid connection, but may require significant connection time and tools (e.g., a wrench) to provide sufficient torque to screw and unscrew the sleeve. In addition, such mechanical coupling can become bulky and occupy considerable volumes or are prone to failure.

The present invention has been made aware of, among other things, the need for a quick connect / disconnect fluid coupling assembly that does not require an assembling tool to complete the fluid flow connection between the first coupling member and the second coupling member will be. In addition, the inventors of the present invention have recognized that such an assembly must have a compact size, leak prevention property of the structure, robustness, and ease of use.

To this end, a fluid coupling assembly comprising a first and a second coupling member magnetically coupleable and a method of manufacturing the same is described herein. The fluid coupling assembly includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a seal member therebetween. The first coupling member and the second coupling member may be magnetically coupled through a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, for example, having attraction polarity. The engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member opens the fluid flow path therebetween. When the coupling member is disengaged, this fluid flow path is sealed.

In Example 1, the fluid coupling assembly includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member capable of being magnetically coupled to the first coupling member, and a second coupling member, Wherein the magnetic coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a mechanical member for unsealing the fluid flow path traversing a portion of each coupling member, Provide and maintain strength.

Example 2 is the fluid coupling assembly of Example 1 wherein the magnetic coupling is sufficient to prevent the sealing member from preventing or reducing fluid leakage between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, And a magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

Example 3: In the fluid coupling assembly of Example 2, the magnetic force is configured such that when the magnetic force is neutralized, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are disengaged.

Example 4 is the fluid coupling assembly of Example 3 wherein the fluid flow path is configured to be sealed by disengagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

Example 5 is the fluid coupling assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 4 wherein the first coupling member comprises a housing having a bore therethrough, an elastic member disposed within the bore, A valve member movably connected, and a magnet or magnetic surface positioned on or adjacent to the mating portion of the housing.

Example 6 is configured such that in the fluid coupling assembly of Example 5, the size and shape of at least a portion of the bore is determined using one or more predetermined flow rate conditions through the housing.

Example 7 is the fluid coupling assembly of Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the housing comprises a valve stop, and when the first coupling member is disengaged from the second coupling member, And biasing the member against the valve stop.

Example 8 is the fluid coupling assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 7 wherein the second coupling member comprises a recess portion having a size and shape complementary to the engagement portion of the first coupling member, An actuating member projecting outwardly from the surface of the recess portion, and a magnet or magnetic surface located on or near the recess portion.

Example 9 is the fluid coupling assembly of Example 8, wherein the depth of the recessed portion is configured to be about 1 mm or less.

Example 10 is the fluid coupling assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 9 wherein the sealing member is configured to be integral with a portion of one or both of the first coupling member or the second coupling member.

Example 11 is the fluid coupling assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 10 wherein the first coupling member is in fluid communication with a fuel source and the second coupling member is a fuel cell powered device .

A method as claimed in claim 12, comprising the steps of: magnetically coupling a first coupling member and a second coupling member; establishing a seal between the first coupling member and the second coupling member; Comprising the steps of: opening a fluid flow path between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, and sealing the fluid flow path, wherein the first coupling member And disengaging the second coupling member from the first coupling member.

Example 13 is the method of Example 12, wherein magnetically coupling the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises moving the first coupling member and the second coupling member into a fluid flow path To form a cavity.

Example 14 is the method of Example 12 or Example 13, wherein magnetically coupling the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises: coupling a magnet positioned on a portion of the first coupling member and a magnet And coupling the magnetic surface of the second coupling member.

Example 15 is the method as in Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the step of magnetically coupling the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises: coupling one of the first coupling member or the second coupling member Or inducing the polarity of both.

Example 16 is according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the step of magnetically coupling the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises: coupling the first coupling member and the second coupling member, 2 coupling member is less than about 1 mm.

Example 17 is the method according to any one of Examples 12-16, wherein the step of establishing the seal comprises pressing the sealing member located between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member .

Example 18 is the method according to any of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the step of opening the fluid flow path comprises, during magnetic coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member, And moving the valve member of the ring member from a restorably biased sealed position to an unsealed position.

Example 19 is the method according to any of Examples 12 to 18, wherein the step of opening the fluid flow path comprises the step of opening a portion of the operating member of the second coupling member and a portion of the valve member of the first coupling member And a step of contacting the substrate.

Example 20 is a method according to any one of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the step of disengaging the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises the step of disengaging the valve member of the first coupling member To a biased sealed position.

Example 21 is the method according to any of Examples 12 to 20, wherein the step of disengaging the first coupling member and the second coupling member includes the step of causing a predetermined fluid flow path pressure to be reached .

Example 22 is the method according to any of Examples 12 to 21, wherein the step of disengaging the first coupling member and the second coupling member is configured to be independent of the direction.

The fluid coupling assemblies and methods of the present invention have the advantage of providing fluid connections that are compact in size, leak-tightness of the structure, robustness, and ease of use. In addition, the fluid coupling assembly and method of the present invention is particularly advantageous when the magnetic coupling between the fluid source and the fluid receiving reservoir occurs when the pressure in the reservoir reaches a predetermined value or a predetermined pressure has been reached along the fluid flow path, Or may be designed to automatically disengage when an unintentional force of a predetermined magnitude from the outside is applied to the assembly. These and other examples, advantages, and features of the fluid coupling assembly and method of the present invention are set forth in part in the following description, and in part are provided in the following detailed description of the fluid coupling assembly and method of the present invention Will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the description and drawings, or by implementations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views. Numerals with different suffix numbers denote different examples of like components. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the various embodiments described herein.

1 is a schematic diagram of a disengaged fluid coupling assembly including a first coupling member and a second coupling member constructed in accordance with one embodiment.

2 is a schematic diagram of a system including a fuel electrical power supply having a fuel receiving reservoir, a fuel source, a first coupling member, and a second coupling member constructed in accordance with one embodiment.

3 is a cross-sectional view of a coupled fluid coupling assembly constructed in accordance with one embodiment, with a cross-sectional view of a central portion of such a fluid coupling assembly portion.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid coupling assembly in a disengaged condition configured in accordance with one embodiment, with a cross-sectional view of a central portion of such fluid coupling assembly portion.

5 is a diagram illustrating a method of using a fluid coupling assembly constructed in accordance with one embodiment.

Figure 1 illustrates a fluid coupling assembly 100 that includes a first coupling member 102, a second coupling member 104, and a sealing member 110 positioned between these members. The first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 are configured to have a first magnetic member 106 located on the first coupling member 102 and a second magnetic member 106 on the second coupling member 104. [ Are held in engagement with each other through the magnetic force provided by the member (108). The first magnetic member (106) has a first polarity that the attraction force acts on the second polarity of the second magnetic member (108). The polarity of the first magnetic member 106 and the polarity of the second magnetic member 108 may be either permanent or inductive. For example, the second polarity of the second magnetic member 108 may be generated by a permanent magnet or an induced magnetic effect.

The engagement portion 112 of the first coupling member 102 has a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the portion of the first coupling member 104 so that engagement and alignment of these members . 3, the magnetic coupling of the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 is configured to seal the fluid flow path 302 (see FIG. 3) between these members do. The first magnetic member 106 and the second magnetic member 108 are each selected such that the magnetic force therebetween is sufficient to cause the sealing member 110 to fluidly seal the fluid flow path 302 (Figure 3) . In addition, the first magnetic member 106 and the second magnetic member 108 are configured such that when the pressure of the predetermined fluid flow path 302 (Fig. 3) is reached, the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 102 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 104 < / RTI > 4, the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 are configured such that when this disengagement occurs, the fluid flow path 302 (FIG. 3) Can be designed to be sealed.

Among other fluid delivery applications, the fluid coupling assembly 100 of the present invention may be used to connect a fluid supply source, such as a fuel source, to a fluid receiving reservoir, such as a fuel receiving reservoir in a fuel cell power supply. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that can convert the energy stored in convenient fuels to electricity without burning the fuel. The fluid coupling assembly 100 of the present invention can be used in a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, methanol, ethanol, butane, formic acid, one or more borohydride compounds, carbazole, one or more hydrocarbons, No. 11 / 538,027 entitled " HYDROGEN SUPPLIES AND RELATED METHODS ", co-owned by Alcohols, Methane, Hydrazine Hydrate, Propane, Ammonia, Hydrogen or McLean et al. And other suitable hydrogen-carrying fluids, such as hydrogen. Each fuel cell generally comprises a cathode, an anode, and a seperator in a suitable vessel. The fuel cell operates by using a chemical reaction occurring at each electrode. A fuel cell is generally similar to a battery in that it has an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. However, the fuel cell differs from the battery in that the fuel in the fuel cell can be charged quickly without disassembling the battery in order to keep the battery operable.

The fuel cell includes a portable or stationary fuel source that allows the empty or partially empty fuel receiving reservoir of the fuel cell power supply to be charged to maintain the fuel cell and, ultimately, the fuel cell power supply associated therewith, It is convenient to be compatible. Generally, fuel sources suitable for use with portable and other fuel cell power supplies include a storage structure in which suitable fuel is stored. In addition, these fuel sources are typically connectable to the fuel receiving reservoir through a coupling mechanism that provides an actuatable fluid path from the fuel source to the fuel receiving reservoir. Therefore, after the fuel supply source and the fuel receiving and storing section are fluidly connected and the appropriate valve is opened, the fuel can be transferred from the fuel supply storing structure to the fuel receiving and storing section in the fuel cell power source apparatus.

2 shows a cellular phone 200 including an example of a fuel cell power source apparatus, more specifically, a fuel cell. When the fuel supply in the fuel storage section 202 of the cellular phone is exhausted, charging or replacement is required. The fluid coupling assembly 100 of the present invention including the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 may be used to fill the fuel supply and the fuel receiving reservoir 202 and the outside A fluid connection may be made between the fuel sources 204.

In the example of FIG. 2, the first coupling member 102 is formed by a hydrogen source, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 538,027 entitled " HYDROGEN SUPPLIES AND RELATED METHODS ", co- owned by McLean et al. U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 535,050 entitled " METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REFUELING REVERSIBLE HYDROGEN-STORAGE SYSTEMS ", or U.S. Patent Application entitled " REFUELING STATION ", co-owned by Iaconis et al. And is in fluid communication with an external fuel supply 204, such as a fuel refueling station, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11 / 535,052. The second coupling member 104 is formed by a fuel receiving reservoir 202, such as a fuel enclosure, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 473,591 entitled " FLUID ENCLOSURE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO ", jointly owned by Zimmermann, It is communicating. In the fuel receiving and storing portion 202 for absorbing and discharging the supplied fuel, there is provided a composite fuel supply system as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 379,970 entitled " COMPOSITE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIAL AND METHODS RELATED THERETO & A fuel storage material such as a hydrogen storage material may be disposed.

Although the cellular phone 200 powered by one or more fuel cells is illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluid coupling assembly 100 of the present invention may be used with other fuel cell power supplies and other fluid delivery applications have. For example, the fluid coupling assembly 100 of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, satellite phones, laptop computers, computer accessories, microcomputers, displays, personal audio or video players, medical devices, televisions, transceivers, Or flash, etc.), an electronic toy, a power tool, or a battery or any other electronic device conventionally used by fuel burning.

3 illustrates in cross-section a portion of a coupled fluid coupling assembly 100 in which a first coupling member 102 is releasably and magnetically coupled to a second coupling member 104. As shown in FIG. As shown, the first coupling member 102 is fluidically connected to the external fuel supply 204 and the second coupling member 104 is connected to the fuel receiving reservoir 202 of the fuel cell power supply 200 In a fluid manner. In certain embodiments, the engagement of the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 may be such that the fluid that extends between the external fuel source 204 and the fuel receiving reservoir 202 simultaneously, Thereby opening the flow path 302. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, disengagement of the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 may seal the fluid flow path 302 at the same time or at approximately the same time.

Magnetic coupling between the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 may include one or more first magnetic members 106 such as one or more magnets and one or more second magnetic members 106 such as one or more magnetic surfaces. Magnetic member 108 is used. An attractive magnetic force between the at least one first magnetic member 106 and the at least one second magnetic member 108 is such that the fluid coupling assembly 100 is positioned between the coupling members 102, Can be designed to be disengaged when it is strong enough to press any sealing member 110 and when it reaches the internal pressure of the predetermined device fuel receiving reservoir 202 or the pressure of the fluid flow path 302. For example, the attracting magnetic force may be applied to the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 102 when the pressure of the fuel receiving reservoir 202 reaches, for example, between about 300 psig (2.07 MPa) and 725 psig (5 MPa) The coupling member 104 can be designed to be disengaged from each other. In addition, the attractive magnetic force between the at least one first magnetic member 106 and the at least one second magnetic member 108 can be designed to be disengaged, for example, by the occurrence of a sudden situation occurring during a fuel refueling operation. For example, attraction magnetic forces can be designed such that when the person falls over the fuel refill hose associated with the fuel source 204, the magnetic coupling 100 is disengaged before the fuel cell power supply 200 is off its support surface have.

Figure 4 shows in cross-section a portion of the disengaged fluid coupling assembly 100 in which the first coupling member 102 is spaced from the second coupling member 104 but can be magnetically coupled have. In this example, the first coupling member 102 includes a housing 406, a valve member 408, a sealing member 110, and one or more first magnetic members 106. The housing 406 has a bore 410 through which the fuel from the fuel source 204 on the first housing portion when coupled to the fluid coupling assembly 100 is engaged with a coupling portion such as a coupling nozzle on the second housing portion. The fluid flow path 302 (FIG. 3) extends to the fluid flow path 112 (see FIG. 3). The size or shape of the bore 410 may depend on the desired flow rate conditions and the application for which a particular coupling assembly is desired to be used. For example, the bore 410 may have a circular cross section, an oval cross section, a rectangular cross section, or the like of various sizes.

An O-ring or other sealing member 110 is positioned at or adjacent to a second portion of the housing 406 such that when the fluid coupling assembly 100 is engaged, 112 and the recessed portion 404 of the second coupling member 104. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing member 110 may be disposed over a portion of the second coupling member 104, such as on a wall of the recess portion 404 or on a portion of a hollow, The member 420 may be configured to protrude from the surface of the recess portion 404. By sealing the engagement, the sealing member 110 prevents leakage of the fuel that is delivered from the fuel supply source 204 to the fuel receiving reservoir 202. Prevention of fuel leaks is important to prevent potential safety hazards such as exposure to toxic substances, generation of flammable mixtures in the atmosphere, or environmental pollution. One or more first magnetic members 106 may also be positioned proximate engagement portion 112 of housing 406 to engage second coupling member 104 and in some examples have a toroidal shape .

A valve member 408 and an elastic member 414 (e.g., a coil spring) are positioned between the bores 410 and generally function to regulate fluid flow through the first coupling member 102. In certain embodiments, valve member 408 moves along the axis of bore 410 between a substantially sealed position (shown) and an open or unsealed position (see FIG. 3). In the sealed position, a portion of the valve member 408 may abut the valve stop 412 of the housing 406, and a valve lumen near the inner end may be surrounded by the housing. The elastic member 414 is biased to hold the valve member 408 abutting against the valve stop 412. [ Thereby, if no other force is applied to resist the force of the elastic member 414, fluid flow through the first coupling member 102 is prevented. In the unsealed position, the valve lumen extending from the circumference of the valve member is exposed, allowing fluid to enter the valve and into the second coupling member 104 via the valve. Alternatively, when the valve member 408 is in the unsealed position, another fluid bypassing configuration may be used to allow fluid to flow through the first coupling member 102 to the second coupling member 104 .

In this example, the second coupling member 104 includes at least one second magnetic member 108, a sealing surface 418 designed to abut the sealing member 110, a hollow activation member 410, A fuel connection 450 to the fuel receiving reservoir 202 of the fuel cell power supply, and a recessed portion 404. In addition, a pressure-actuated unidirectional valve is included in the second coupling member 104 to allow the pressurized fuel to flow into the inner fuel receiving and storing portion 202, but through the fuel connecting portion 450 to the fluid receiving and storing portion 202 from being leaked. In a particular example that may be altered, the recess portion 404 includes a depth of about 1 mm or less, thereby providing a coupling system that does not require much space in the fuel cell power supply 200. [

As shown, the actuating member 420 protrudes outward from the surface of the recess portion 404 such that when the first coupling member 102 is engaged with the second coupling member 104, Thereby contacting a portion of the member 408. The actuating member 420 has a size and shape configured to contact the valve member 408 without any gap so that the first coupling member 102 is in contact with the second coupling member 104, The actuating member 420 and the valve member 408 can be aligned with each other. As shown, actuation member 420 and valve member 408 may include a flat mating surface. In another example, the actuating member 420 has a spherical convex surface while the valve member 408 includes a concave surface that is complementary to the convex surface.

3, the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 each have an attraction force of one or more first magnetic member 106 and one or more second magnetic member 108, Can be combined with each other using the polarity that acts. As a result, when the first coupling member 102 is positioned adjacent to the second coupling member 104, the first magnetic member 106 is attracted to the second magnetic member 108, The engaging portion 112 of the first coupling member 102 enters the recessed portion 404 of the second coupling member 104. [ This engagement may be achieved by urging the O-ring or other sealing member 110 on the first coupling member 102 against the sealing surface 418 on the second coupling member 104, So that the valve member 408 is moved to a position away from the valve seat 412. The fuel from the fuel supply source 204 flows into the internal fuel storage 202 of the fuel cell power supply 200 by the valve member 408 in the open position.

In general, the housing 406, the valve member 408, the actuating member 420, and other components of the first coupling member 102 and the second coupling member 104 may be made of metal, And may include any material suitable for use in fluid delivery applications such as a composition. The sealing member 110 may comprise a material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber or an elastomeric polymer. The elastic member 414 may include any suitable design of elastic spring, elastic material, or the like.

5 is a diagram illustrating a method 500 of using a fluid coupling assembly. In step 502, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are magnetically coupled. Such engagement may include, for example, magnetic coupling between the magnet disposed on the first coupling member and the magnetic surface of the second coupling member. In a particular example, such engagement includes inserting the engagement portion of the first coupling member into the recess portion of the second coupling member, e.g., less than 1 mm.

In step 504, a seal is established between the first coupling member and the second coupling member. In certain instances, such sealing includes the pressing of the sealing member between the sealing surface of the second coupling member and the mating portion of the first coupling member. In another example, such sealing includes the pressing of the sealing member between the engaging portion of the first coupling member and the actuating member of the second coupling member. In step 506, the fluid flow path between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is opened by moving the valve member from the restorably biased sealing position to the unsealed position. In various embodiments, the valve member is moved by contact with an actuating member projecting from the surface of the recessed portion. In step 508, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are disengaged, and the fluid flow path is sealed.

A fluid coupling assembly employing magnetic coupling of a first coupling member and a second coupling member and a method of using the same have been described. By using a magnetic force to engage the first coupling member and the second coupling member, for example, the fluid receiving reservoir can be recharged very easily, and the fluid receiving reservoir can also be filled or a portion of the recharging system Hose) is subjected to an inadvertent force. As illustrated, the fluid coupling assembly of the present invention, in certain instances, allows the fluid flow path to be unsealed simultaneously when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are engaged, When the member is disengaged, at the same time the fluid flow path is sealed.

Note

The foregoing detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These implementations are referred to herein as "examples ". All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to herein are individually incorporated by reference, but their entire contents are hereby incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistencies between the use of these patent documents referred to in this specification and the references, the use in the recited references should be regarded as an aid to the use of this specification, and for incompatible inconsistencies, Usage takes precedence.

As used or contemplated herein, a non-plural representation of a singular is intended to be synonymous with the singular, as used in this specification, to mean more than one, or more than one, separate from any other instance or use of the expression "at least one" or " . As used herein, the expression "or" is used to denote non-exclusion, and unless otherwise stated, "A or B" means "A but not B", "B but not A" "A and B". As used or contemplated herein, the expression "fluid" refers to a gas, liquefied gas, liquid, liquid under pressure, or combinations thereof that can flow through a first coupling member and a second coupling member . Examples of fluids include but are not limited to methanol, ethanol, butane, formic acid, one or more borohydride compounds, carbazole, one or more hydrocarbons, one or more alcohols, methane, hydrazine hydrate, Propane, ammonia, hydrogen, or other suitable hydrogen carrying fluids. As used or contemplated herein, the expressions "joining "," joining ", or "joining" refer to physical contact or proximity within sufficiently close proximity. The first and second coupling members may engage with each other, thereby allowing fluid to flow therethrough without leakage.

In the appended claims, the expression "comprising" is considered to be encompassed within the scope of the following claims in addition to the elements listed thereafter, including other elements. Also, in the following claims, the expressions "first," " second, "and" third, " and the like are used merely for the distinction and do not require any condition on their subject .

The foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. For example, the coupling coupling nozzle and the coupling recess may be reversed in their connection relationship to the fuel cell device and the fuel source. In addition, the fluid coupling assemblies and methods of the present invention can be used with other fluid delivery applications, such as non-fuel based fluid applications, where rapid coupling and decoupling may be desired in connection with sealing and unsealing, respectively. In addition, the fluid receiving reservoir may be non-removably integrated with the associated device as well as be removable from the associated device. Other embodiments, such as those implemented by those skilled in the art having reviewed the above description, may be utilized. Also, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together to simplify the disclosure of the invention. This is not to be construed as an uncharacteristic disclosed feature being essential to any claim, rather the invention's teachings will be less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are included in the detailed description, and each claim is a separate embodiment. The spirit of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, and the full scope of equivalents of such claims.

The following summary is intended to provide a quick overview of the nature of the technical disclosure. It is provided to comply with ∮ 1.72 (b) and shall not be used to interpret or limit the meaning or meaning of the claims.

Claims (23)

A fluid coupling assembly comprising: A first coupling member; A second coupling member magnetically coupleable with the first coupling member; A single valve member disposed within the first coupling member; And A second stationary actuating member disposed within said second coupling member, / RTI > Wherein the valve member is movable between a sealing position in contact with a valve seat disposed in the first coupling member and a sealing release position spaced from the valve seat, Member, Wherein the actuating member is configured to move the valve member when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are magnetically coupled and wherein the actuating member is the only actuating member of the fluid coupling assembly, Wherein a fluid flow path through a portion of each coupling member is unsealed due to the magnetic coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member, Fluid coupling assembly. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the magnetic coupling is such that when the internal pressure of the fuel receiving reservoir in fluid communication with the second coupling member reaches a predetermined pressure between 300 psig and 725 psig, And a magnetic force to cause the member to separate. The method according to claim 1, The first coupling member having a first coupling portion, Wherein the first engagement portion includes the valve member, Wherein the second coupling member includes a second engaging portion including a single operative member, Fluid coupling assembly. The method of claim 3, Wherein the first coupling member comprises a first magnetic member having a first polarity, The second coupling member includes a second magnetic member having a second polarity, Wherein the first polarity and the second polarity have attraction forces, Fluid coupling assembly. 5. The method of claim 4, Wherein the first magnetic member comprises a magnet having a toroidal shape. The method according to claim 1, The fluid coupling assembly further comprises a sealing member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member, Wherein the sealing member is configured to prevent fluid leakage when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are magnetically coupled, Fluid coupling assembly. The method according to claim 1, The second coupling member may include a housing of a mobile phone, a housing of a satellite phone, a housing of a laptop computer, a housing of a computer accessory, a housing of a display device, a housing of an audio or video player, a housing of a medical device, Wherein the housing of the receiver, the housing of the receiver, the housing of the illuminator, the housing of the power tool, or the housing of the electronic toy. delete The method according to claim 1, Wherein the fluid coupling assembly is disposed between a fuel source and a fuel receiving reservoir in a fuel cell power supply. delete delete The method according to claim 1, Wherein the stationary actuating member is configured such that the hollow is hollow and the fluid flow path extends into the interior of the stationary actuating member. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the valve member includes a mating surface having a concave surface that is complementary to the convex surface of the actuating member. A method of coupling a fuel supply source and a fuel receiving reservoir in a fuel cell power supply, Magnetically coupling a first coupling member in fluid communication with the fuel source and a second coupling member in fluid communication with the fuel receiving reservoir; Forming a seal between the first coupling member and the second coupling member; And Opening a fluid flow path between the first coupling member and the second coupling member Lt; / RTI > The magnetically coupling step includes aligning a first coupling portion of the first coupling member and a second coupling portion of the second coupling member, Wherein the first engagement portion includes a single valve member and the second engagement portion includes a single stationary operative member and the valve member is a unique valve member of the first and second coupling members, The first and second coupling members being the only operative members, The step of forming the seal may include preventing fluid leakage between the fuel supply source and the fuel receiving reservoir, Wherein the step of opening the fluid flow path further comprises the step of moving the actuating member of the second engagement portion to the valve release position of the first engagement portion to move the valve member from a resiliently biased sealing position to an unsealing position, Comprising the steps of: A method for coupling a fuel supply and a fuel receiving reservoir in a fuel cell power supply. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the step of opening the fluid flow path comprises the step of introducing into the fluid flow path at least one of hydrogen, one or more alcohols, butane, formic acid, one or more borohydride compounds, a mixture of one or more of alcohols and borohydride, At least one of ammonia borane solution, one or more carbazole compounds, one or more hydrocarbons, methane, hydrazine hydrate, propane, and ammonia And allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source to the fluid receiving reservoir. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the step of forming the seal comprises pressing a sealing member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. Lt; / RTI > 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the method of coupling the fuel source and the fuel receiving reservoir in the fuel cell power supply apparatus further comprises separating the first coupling member and the second coupling member, Wherein said separating step includes moving said valve member of said first engagement to a restorably biased sealing position whereby said fluid flow path is sealed, A method for coupling a fuel supply and a fuel receiving reservoir in a fuel cell power supply. 18. The method of claim 17, Wherein the separating step is performed when the internal pressure of the predetermined fuel receiving reservoir is reached. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein said magnetically coupling step includes cooperatively aligning said first coupling member and said second coupling member to form a fluid flow path. Wherein the fuel receiving reservoir is coupled to the fuel receiving reservoir. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the method of coupling the fuel source and the fuel receiving reservoir in the fuel cell power supply apparatus further comprises separating the first coupling member and the second coupling member, Wherein said separating is accomplished by overcoming a mechanical force comprising a force generated by magnetic coupling between said first coupling member and said second coupling member, Wherein the separation of the member is performed when sealing the fluid flow path. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the magnetically coupling step comprises coupling the fuel supply and the fuel receiving reservoir in the fuel cell power supply, wherein the fuel supply source and the fuel receiving reservoir in the fuel cell power supply are coupled to each other, How to. delete delete

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